Books may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a move—but if you’re a reader, collector, or just someone with a solid home library, you know how heavy (and delicate) boxes of books can be. At Clean and Careful Moving, we’ve helped hundreds of clients pack and move books the right way—keeping them safe, organized, and easy to unpack at your new home.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to pack books for moving—Clean and Careful style.
1. Sort and Downsize First
Before packing, go through your collection and ask yourself: Do I really want to move all of these?
Books are heavy, and moving them costs time and money. Donate or sell books you no longer need, and lighten your load from the start.
Tip: Most libraries, schools, and donation centers gladly accept used books in good condition.
2. Gather the Right Supplies
To pack books safely, you’ll need:
- Small sturdy boxes (books get heavy fast—avoid large ones)
- Packing paper or soft cloths
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers for labeling
Avoid using oversized boxes, as overpacking can lead to broken bottoms and sore backs.
3. Use the Right Packing Techniques
Books can be packed a few different ways, depending on their size and fragility:
- Upright (like on a shelf): Great for hardcovers. Keep spines facing the edge of the box.
- Flat (stacked): Works well for paperbacks and large-format books.
- Spines down: Avoid spines up (it can damage the binding over time).
Fill gaps with packing paper or cloth to prevent shifting during transport.
4. Don’t Overload
Even small boxes can get heavy fast when filled with books. Keep each box under 40 pounds if possible.
If the box starts to bow or feels too heavy to lift comfortably, it’s too full.
Pro tip from Clean and Careful: Add a few soft, lightweight items (like pillows or towels) to the top of your book boxes to balance the weight and cushion the contents.
5. Label Clearly
Mark each box with:
- “Books”
- Room location (e.g., “Office” or “Living Room”)
- “Heavy – Lift with care”
Labeling helps both you and your movers know how to handle the box safely.
6. Special Considerations for Rare or Valuable Books
If you have rare, antique, or signed books, wrap each one individually in acid-free packing paper or bubble wrap. Consider transporting these personally, or let your movers know they require extra care.
At Clean and Careful Moving, we’re happy to set aside special boxes for valuable items and make sure they’re treated with the care they deserve.
7. Let Us Help
Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, Clean and Careful Moving is here to make your move smooth and stress-free. We offer full-service packing, including book collections, and we always treat your belongings like they’re our own.
Want help packing your library? Just ask.
Ready to Move?
Contact Clean and Careful Moving today for a free quote and let us take the hassle out of your next move—book collection and all.
